Employment Opportunities at Dickerson Park Zoo

Year-round employment

Positions for zookeepers and maintenance personnel are hired through the City of Springfield Human Resources department. For information on applying for these positions, please visit the City of Springfield's website.

Seasonal employment

Some positions for seasonal grounds workers are hired through the City of Springfield Human Resources department. For information on applying for these positions, please visit the City of Springfield's Web site http://www.springfieldmo.gov/business/jobs/city.jsp

No vacancies at this time

Guest Services seasonal employment

Positions for Guest Services (food/drink sales, gift shop, etc.) are hired through Friends of the Zoo. Applications can be picked up at the zoo admission gate or click here to download a PDF version to print.

No vacancies at this time

Internships

Zookeeper Internships

Internships for students pursuing degrees in biology, zoology, conservation, wildlife management or similar fields are available on a limited basis year-round. Please contact Mike Crocker, Zoo Director, for availability and application process.  mcrocker[@]springfieldmo.gov

Public Relations/Marketing Internships

Internships for students pursuing degrees in communications, public relations, marketing or similar fields are available on a limited basis year-round. Please contact Melinda Arnold, Public Relations/Marketing Director, for availability and application process.  marnold[@]dickersonparkzoo.org

Event Planning Internships

Internships for students pursuing degrees in communications, recreation/leisure, entertainment management or similar fields are available on a limited basis year-round. Please contact Erin Sorensen, Event Coordinator, for availability and application process. esorensen[@]dickersonparkzoo.org

Education Internships

Internships for students pursuing degrees in education, biology, conservation or similar fields are available on a limited basis year-round. Please contact Pam Herd, Director of Conservation Education, for availability and application process. pherd[@]dickersonparkzoo.org

Veterinary Preceptorship

Background

This is a program emphasizing clinical medicine and exposure to zoo operations and husbandry. The student will assist the veterinarian and staff with medical/surgical procedures, laboratory diagnostics, necropsies, records, etc. Students will be primarily supervised by Dr. Erica Wilson. Students will also shadow the veterinary technician, commissary and various animal husbandry teams. A research paper is required of students during the preceptorship, or a short oral/PowerPoint presentation to the keeper staff of the student's choosing. Students will be subject to irregular work hours, but will be given two days off in a work week.

Requirements

At least 3 months experience in a clinical setting prior to beginning the program. Preference will be given to veterinary students in their third and fourth years. Students will be subject to a background check that will need to be filled out prior to their arrival.

Expenses

Students are responsible for all expenses and must provide their own health insurance. Housing is provided on zoo grounds which includes kitchen and shower access. Transportation is not provided, but easy access to shopping is available. There is also public transit.

Availability

Minimum two weeks to eight weeks at the maximum. Applications may be taken year round and scheduled appropriately.

Application Requests

Students should submit an application packet containing the following - curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, a cover letter stating their reasons why they wish to participate in the program, and preferred months to attend the program including the year.

Additional Requirements

Within six months of preceptorship, students will need to show proof of negative TB test, current tetanus and strongly recommend Hepatitis B vaccination and rabies titer.

Application Submission

Send application to Dr. Erica Wilson, Dickerson Park Zoo, 3043 N. Fort Ave, Springfield, Missouri, 65803.
Phone: 417-833-4138
E-mail: ewilson[@]springfieldmo.gov
Fax: 417-833-4002